Man, woman arrested after dogs, puppies found abandoned in Tonopah

ARIZONA --  Authorities said a man and a woman were arrested after leaving their nine dogs, including puppies, without food, water or shelter at a home in west Arizona.

 

The Maricopa County Sheriff's Office said two adult dogs and seven five-week-old puppies were found abandoned at a home in Tonopah in November. MCSO said the dogs were "severely" emaciated and lethargic.

  

  

The animals were taken to a veterinarian and were treated for Valley fever, dehydration and hypothermia.

Authorities were alerted by the property owner who said the dogs were abandoned by the former tenants.

 

A lengthy search was launched for the owners. Weeks later, Gonzalez was located in Gila Bend and Mendoza was found in Arlington.

Daniel Gonzalez, 33,  and his girlfriend, Andrea Mendoza, 33, were arrested on Tuesday and booked into jail on 27 counts of animal cruelty, neglect and abandonment.

The man was found in Gila Bend and the woman was located in Arlington, according to MCSO.

(ABC15 - Dec 17, 2014)